Humble Sakura / Conversation and Farewell
Just as Sakura was standing by the shelf, about to give up her search and ask the clerk for help, a voice rang out beside her.
"Are you having trouble deciding which candy to choose? I can give you some recommendations."
"..."
Hearing the familiar voice, Sakura subconsciously looked over, and unsurprisingly saw Muelsyse holding a small basket of candy with a smile on his face.
"Won't this be too much trouble for you?"
"It's alright, it's alright! I know quite a bit about candy." After hearing Sakura's words, Muelsyse put down the basket she was carrying, patted her chest confidently, and said.
"Then, thank you for your help."
Seeing Muelsyse's expression, Sakura didn't say anything to refuse, but politely agreed.
After all, she wasn't like Mobius, that stubborn guy. Since she could be of help to him, there was no harm in getting to know her and befriending her.
Of course, having learned from Mobius's previous "lesson," and given that Sakura herself wasn't particularly fastidious, she didn't use her power to clear away the Originium dust and powder around her body.
In summary, Sakura's surroundings are not as "clean" as Mobius's.
However, a few months ago, before Mobius reached a conclusion, both individuals would still be mindful of Originium and avoid infection.
Later, after Mobius's experiment discovered that Honkai Energy erode and devour Originium, "everyone" became less cautious.
After all, experimental studies have shown that unless their Honkai Energy is depleted, Originium and Originium dust simply cannot enter their bodies.
As for why Mobius still allows a small amount of her power to escape and cleanse the "dirt" around her, it's simply because she wants to keep her surroundings cleaner.
P. S.: I originally said I'd only update one chapter today to salvage my terrible sleep schedule, but now I can only say it's hopeless. Going to sleep now, will update earlier tomorrow.
Chapter 70 Humble Sakura
"Then, thank you for your help."
"It's nothing! So, what kind of candy do you want to buy?" After hearing Sakura's answer, Muelsyse waved her hand dismissively, nodding inwardly with satisfaction.
What happened with Mobius not long ago made Muelsyse a little insecure, but now it seems... it wasn't his fault.
"Hmm... it's suitable for children."
When asked by Muelsyse, Sakura thought for a moment and then answered.
"Oh, it's for children... Let me see."
With that, Muelsyse clapped his hands and expertly walked toward the other containers.
"..."
Seeing this, Sakura didn't hesitate. She picked up an empty basket and also grabbed the basket that Muelsyse had "forgotten" to the side, and then followed after them.
Subsequently, the conversation between the two turned into...
"John's Mom's Orange Storm is delicious and perfect for kids!"
"Um."
"There's also a strawberry flavor."
"Um."
"There's also this mixed flavor, but it depends on how well the child will accept it."
"Okay, sure."
With Muelsyse's help, Sakura bought a whole basket of candy.
"Thank you for your help. My name is Sakura, it's nice to meet you." After leaving the candy store, Sakura didn't rush to leave but politely thanked Muelsyse.
"Oh, it was just a small favor. My name is Muelsyse, and I'm very happy to be with you!" Looking at the serious-looking pink-haired girl in front of her, Muelsyse smiled slightly and introduced herself.
However, some of Muelsyse's words were not just polite remarks; for example, she said she enjoyed spending time with him.
It was indeed a pleasure to spend some time with Sakura, who humbly accepted my advice. The slight sense of frustration she felt because of Mobius had vanished without a trace.
"I originally wanted to buy you a box of your favorite candies, Muelsyse, as a thank-you gift, but seeing how much candy you bought, I gave up on that idea." At this point, Sakura's gaze fell on the bag of candy Muelsyse was carrying, and after a pause, she continued:
"So, do you have any plans for later? My treat, let's grab something to eat later."
"Hey, this isn't really appropriate. I just picked out some candies for you." After hearing Sakura's words, Muelsyse's forehead slowly broke out in a few beads of sweat, and he said somewhat embarrassedly.
Clearly, Sakura's words successfully turned the somewhat embarrassed person from themselves into Muelsyse.
"Don't worry about it. You helped me, so I'm treating you to something to eat. It's just reciprocity."
"Besides, I also wanted to take this opportunity to have you show me around the city, Muelsyse. After all, I just arrived and don't even know what good restaurants there are."
As she spoke, Sakura gently curved the corners of her lips and returned a tender smile to Muirsay.
"Oh, so you've just arrived. Let me show you around!" Faced with Sakura's honesty, Muelsyse was slightly taken aback, but then immediately became interested.
It's fair to say that he completely forgot about the previous matter of "[hurry back and investigate that woman]".
After all, Mobius could escape, but he couldn't hide; he had missed his new friend, and that was truly the end of it. Therefore, Muelsyse felt that spending time with this new acquaintance was slightly more important right now.
"Okay, then I'll leave it to Muelsyse."
"It's alright, just like you said, it's a matter of reciprocity!"
Afterwards, Sakura, led by Muelsyse, began to tour the city.
In the laboratory--
Upon noticing Sakura's actions, Mobius paused slightly before immersing himself back into the world of experiments.
After all, she doesn't have much time left.
The time for Ifrit's next "treatment" is not far off. Even though it's only the early stage, Charmander needs to receive treatment once or twice a week.
Mobius hoped to develop a suitable painkiller that wouldn't be easily detected by those guys before the next "treatment," in order to reduce the mental damage that the "treatment" would inflict on Ifrit.
As for why it's only related to mental and physical pain... well, that's because for Mobius, no matter how bad Ifrit's body is, as long as she's not dead, he can bring her back to life.
But the mental state is different... If someone's mental state collapses, it's much harder to treat. Besides, she had promised Ifrit that night that she would help alleviate her pain.
Although Mobius herself admits that her bottom line is quite flexible, she still disdains doing things like deceiving children.
Therefore, Sakura diverting Muelsyse's attention was a good thing for Mobius. After all, it saved him from unnecessary harassment.
"Phew—how about we find somewhere to store our things first?"
Muelsyse, who couldn't resist buying quite a few things while browsing, temporarily put his abundant "spoils" on the ground, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and then said to Sakura beside him.
"No need for that trouble, let me carry these things for you." With that, Sakura stepped forward and easily lifted the "spoils of war" in front of the Muelsyse.
"Hey! Sakura, aren't you tired? Wait a minute! You've walked so far, and you haven't even broken a sweat?!"
Looking at Sakura, who was calm and relaxed, Muelsyse said in surprise.
You know, they just explored most of the city, and at a pretty fast pace. Even she, the Water Spirit, was a little tired.
"My stamina is quite good, after all, I am a martial artist." Before Muelsyse could react, a strange glint flashed quickly in Sakura's eyes.
Shouldn't an "assassin" also be considered a martial artist?
"I see."
Upon hearing this, Muelsyse nodded slightly, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes.
However, when it comes to martial arts practitioners, Muelsyse immediately thought of her friend, a certain straight-laced girl... Despite being very strong, she usually uses a shield and focuses on defense.
"So, Sakura, your skills must be pretty good?"
As she spoke, Muelsyse looked at her new friend with a curious gaze.
"I wouldn't dare say that. It's just some self-defense techniques, and besides, I rarely spar with others." Faced with Muelsyse's doubts, Sakura gently shook her head and said modestly.
However, in a sense, Sakura wasn't wrong about the second half of her statement. She indeed rarely sparred with others in this world; she wouldn't even lift a finger with friends, and she would kill enemies with a single strike.
Chapter 71 Communication and Separation
"I see, I understand. But we still need to find a place to mail and pick up things." After hearing Sakura's words, Muelsyse blinked gently and then said with a smile.
Although they hadn't spent much time together, they had still spent a few hours together, and Muelsyse had gained a little understanding of Sakura's personality.
She didn't believe, or at least didn't completely believe, Sakura's words; there was at least a lot of modesty in them.
Therefore, Muelsyse believed that Sakura's strength, if not as terrifying as someone she knew, should at least be quite good.
"Um?"
After hearing Muelsyse's words, Sakura looked at her in confusion, as if asking why.
"What's there to doubt? Although Sakura has great stamina, there's still so much time left, and carrying all this stuff is still a hassle. Besides, why keep bothering newly acquainted friends!"
Seeing Sakura's confusion, Muelsyse smiled, reached out and patted her shoulder, and said...
"I don't care about that, but since Muelsyse has made up her mind, let's go and store the things."
Looking at the lively and unruly Muelsyse, Sakura gave a helpless smile, then gently shook the object in her hand and continued:
"As for the time before we store the things away, leave it to me. You look exhausted after all."
"Eh!... Sakura, Sakura is so wonderful!"
Looking at the gentle and considerate Sakura in front of her, Muelsyse suddenly felt a little teary-eyed.
This... is this what it feels like to go shopping with a close friend? I'm smitten! Goodbye to the tough, straight woman and the aloof, cold-hearted leader, I'm going to embrace my gentle and caring new friend!
"It's nothing, I'm used to it. Whenever I go out with my younger sister, I'm usually the one who carries the things."
Looking at Muelsyse's appearance, Sakura couldn't help but think of someone from her current memories.
"Eh! Sakura actually has a younger sister? No wonder she's so good at taking care of people." After hearing Sakura's words, Muelsyse covered her mouth and exclaimed in surprise.
Then, as if remembering something, she spoke again, "So, the candy was also bought for my sister?"
"Hmm... you could think that way, but she's not here right now." Sakura didn't give a very definite answer to Muelsyse's question, but rather gave an ambiguous reply.
After all, this Sakura is not that "Sakura." Although she also wanted a younger sister, even Mobius couldn't conjure a Klein, so how could she conjure a Bell out of thin air?
"I see."
Upon hearing this, Muelsyse nodded slightly, then looked at the large and small bags in Sakura's hands and stopped the conversation, saying:
"Alright, let's hurry up and go. It's not a good idea for Sakura to keep carrying it."
"Good."
In a certain restaurant--
"Phew! I'm exhausted. It's been so long since I've gone shopping like this."
Sitting on a bench in the restaurant, Muelsyse relaxed and cheered softly.
"Indeed, we've been shopping for quite a while. Here, the menu, see if there's anything you'd like to eat." Hearing this, Sakura turned her head to look at the darkening sky outside the window and said helplessly.
Honestly, Sakura never expected that she would spend a whole afternoon wandering around the city with Muelsyse, but it wasn't all bad.
After all, she knew that if she didn't keep Muelsyse occupied, Muelsyse might go back and "bother" the busy Mobius.
"Well then, I won't be polite!"
Looking at the menu Sakura handed him, Muelsyse chuckled softly, then said in a playful tone.
"Hmm, order whatever you like." Seeing Muelsyse's expression, Sakura chuckled, her beautiful eyes filled with even more helplessness.
While flipping through the menu, Muelsyse seemed to suddenly remember something, looked up at Sakura, and asked, "But speaking of which, I don't seem to know whether you're just passing through Trimount or planning to settle here."
As for why Muelsyse would suddenly ask such a question, it's obviously because of returning the favor.
Although she was the one who helped first, it was only a small favor. Considering our time together this afternoon and this dinner, she actually benefited more.
Muelsyse was very principled in this regard. Having finally met such a friendly and kind new friend, she certainly couldn't skimp on returning the favor.